Motocross, formerly known as Scrambling (and still known as scrambling by the general public and the ‘old hands’) is an off-road sport which should not be confused with Supercross or its close relative Stadium Cross. Motocross generally take place over a purpose built course, normally temporary, within a stadium type complex. However, in general, Motocross circuits are erected on natural land with some enhancements by way of jumps etc. but are aimed more at the average club rider rather than the supermen who compete at Supercross meetings.

In general, adult and youth Motocross meetings are held separately but it is possible to ride in motocross from the age of 6 upwards although if of age 14 or under, you would need to find a club catering for the younger age groups (only two in the Eastern Centre).

To take account of the wide range of ages for youths who ride Motocross, there are five basic classes which are strictly controlled by clubs. However, adult riders generally have two basic classes, Junior and Expert. Within these classes there may also be other classes which depend on various factors such as the type and size of machine ridden. In addition, Championship series for the main basic classes within the youth and adult ranks are usually run at local level. However, there may also be other Championships run according to class and/or machine. For example, here in the Eastern Centre we have the NGR Championship, a series of events (started by the late Nigel Read) for riders over the age of 25 in which in itself, has several distinct classes.

Currently, once a youth rider reaches the age of 15, he/she can elect to ride in adult classes on what is called a dual licence which allows the rider to take part in both adult and youth events. However, only one such dual licence lasting one year can be permitted, thereafter the rider joins the adult ranks. It should be noted that whilst holding a dual licence, the rider will still be limited to the machine capacity related to their age. This should prove to make things interesting as well as providing a wonderful stepping stone for some of our more experienced and talented youth riders.

Sidecar motocross is still occasionally catered for within the Eastern Centre although over recent years, entries have sadly dropped off, leading most clubs to abandon the sidecar class altogether.

Races can include up to 40 solo riders and can run be over a specified number of laps or for a pre-defined time plus a number of laps, e.g. 15 minutes plus 2 laps. Such race duration is normally defined by the organising club, or for Championship events, the Championship rules.

In addition to events run by centre clubs, during the course of a season, rounds of the MAXXIS British Championship.are generally run by up to two clubs within the Eastern Centre. These are national events which give the opportunity for spectators and riders alike to see the top riders in the country (and indeed some top international riders) competing over our courses.